BAHAWALPUR: The Academic Staff Association (ASA) of The Islamia University of Bahawalpur has expressed strong opposition to a proposed plan to merge the university’s Veterinary Faculty with Cholistan University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, describing the move as potentially harmful to academic standards, research activities, and student interests.
In a statement issued after a meeting between the association’s leadership and members of the Veterinary Faculty, the ASA said the faculty has been offering veterinary and animal sciences degree programs since 2006 and has developed significant academic and research capacity over the years.
According to the association, the faculty has played an important role in supporting education, research, and livestock-related development in South Punjab, a region it described as historically underserved in terms of development resources and public investment.
Concerns over academic and institutional impact
The association stated that the proposed merger could affect students, researchers, and faculty members while potentially weakening the academic and research profile of the university.
It further argued that the Veterinary Faculty is independently accredited by the Pakistan Veterinary Medical Council (PVMC) and achieved its recognition through years of academic performance and institutional development.
The ASA maintained that the faculty’s accredited status and institutional identity should be preserved and not altered through administrative restructuring.
Call to maintain existing status
The association emphasized that educational institutions should safeguard their academic identity and standards while addressing administrative challenges.
According to the statement, maintaining the current status of the Veterinary Faculty is important for ensuring educational quality, professional training, research excellence, and continued support for the livestock and agriculture sectors in South Punjab.
The statement was issued following discussions between the association’s president, general secretary, and faculty representatives regarding the future of the Veterinary Faculty.
Also Read : COMSATS University Accelerates AI, Digital Governance Reforms
Today's E-Paper